Deal with cases of electricity theft fairly

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that Tenaga Nasional Berhad, TNB, must be fair in handling suspected cases of tampering with electric meters, especially when it is using sophisticated methods and devices to detect elctricity theft.

On 30.11.2011, Dr Tan asked Energy Minister Datuk Peter Chin supplementary question on the tampering of electricity meters di Parliament.

Malaysia has millions of electricity consumers, such as seven millions in Peninsula. According to the Minister, in 2011, there are 9,450 consumers suspected of tampering with meters. In the last few years, 27 cases of electricity theft have gone to court; 23 cases settled out of court. TNB loses some. For example, in one case, it had to compensate a consumer RM1.2 million.

TNB uses sophisticated methods and machines to detect electricity theft, including public complaints, analyses and regular checks. In 2011, it has changed 1,183,701 old meters into new ones. TNB staff members involved in this type of illegal activities are: 2007-2008 2, 2008-2009 4, 2009-2010 1 and 2010-1011 2. The real figures are unknown.

For over 10 years, TNB has collected hundreds of millions of ringgits from suspected consumers. It continues to pursue the matter.

As the company is using sophisticated methods to detect tampering of meters, we hope that it is fair in dealing with consumers who are suspected of meter tampering.

Tan Seng Giaw